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1majkia
I'm new here, and am doing my first alphabet challenge (tied to the 2013 category group).
No time limit to fill in all letters. Starting 01/01/2013.
Titles only at this point, any genre, trying to select from my massive TBR where possible.
Suggestions from anyone welcome.
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A -The Amulet of Samarkand - Jonathan Stroud
B - Bruno, Chief of Police - Martin Walker
C - Case Histories - Kate Atkinson
D - Death in the Stocks - Georgette Heyer
E - Every Dead Thing - John Connolly
F - Fugitive Prince - Janny Wurts
G - Grand Conspiracy - Janny Wurts
H - Hounded - Kevin Hearne
I - In the Woods - Tana French
J
K - Killing Floor - Lee Child
L
M - Moon Over Soho - Ben Aaronovitch
N - Neon Rain - James Lee Burke
O - Outsider in Amsterdam - Janwillem van de Wetering
P - The Poet - Michael Connolly
Q
R - Relic - Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child
S - Sandstorm - James Rollins
T - A Talent for War - Jack McDevitt
U - The Unexpected Mrs Pollifax - Dorothy Gilman
V - Vale of Stars - Sean O'Brien
W - When Christ and His Saints Slept - Sharon Kay Penman
X
Y
Z
No time limit to fill in all letters. Starting 01/01/2013.
Titles only at this point, any genre, trying to select from my massive TBR where possible.
Suggestions from anyone welcome.
---------------------
A -The Amulet of Samarkand - Jonathan Stroud
B - Bruno, Chief of Police - Martin Walker
C - Case Histories - Kate Atkinson
D - Death in the Stocks - Georgette Heyer
E - Every Dead Thing - John Connolly
F - Fugitive Prince - Janny Wurts
G - Grand Conspiracy - Janny Wurts
H - Hounded - Kevin Hearne
I - In the Woods - Tana French
J
K - Killing Floor - Lee Child
L
M - Moon Over Soho - Ben Aaronovitch
N - Neon Rain - James Lee Burke
O - Outsider in Amsterdam - Janwillem van de Wetering
P - The Poet - Michael Connolly
Q
R - Relic - Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child
S - Sandstorm - James Rollins
T - A Talent for War - Jack McDevitt
U - The Unexpected Mrs Pollifax - Dorothy Gilman
V - Vale of Stars - Sean O'Brien
W - When Christ and His Saints Slept - Sharon Kay Penman
X
Y
Z
and happy reading! :-)3lkernagh
Great to see you here,Jean! Good luck with your alphabet challenge! I am about to wrap up my second go at this challenge - currently working on author surnames - but I do bounce in here to see what everyone else is reading to fill their alphabets!
4judylou
Yes, good luck with the challenge. I'll be interested to see what titles you fill your challenge with.
5heathn
Good luck with your challenge!!! I am currently still working on mine, and have been enjoying it. It's gotten me out of my comfort zone.
One of my favorite reads from this past year was William Goldman's The Princess Bride. I was afraid that I would be biased against, being that I love the movie, but I enjoyed the book even more than the movie.
(Just looked, and it's in your TBR pile as well.)
One of my favorite reads from this past year was William Goldman's The Princess Bride. I was afraid that I would be biased against, being that I love the movie, but I enjoyed the book even more than the movie.
(Just looked, and it's in your TBR pile as well.)
6majkia
oh thanks for mentioning that heathn. I've been reluctant to read The Princess Bride for the same reason. Good to know!
7majkia
Ok, just finished an audible book, The Amulet of Samarkand as my first book for the new year and for this challenge. It's also a ROOT and fits in my 13 in 13 challenge.
10majkia
Death in the Stocks - Georgette Heyer
What a fun, interesting mystery. Although I'd guessed fairly early on who must have dunnit, still, the characterization of the suspects was truly deep and intriguing, and often quite funny. Dialogue was witty and sparkling. I appreciate suspects fully fleshed out and multilayered.
I'll definitely continue this series.
11majkia
Bruno, Chief of Police - Martin Walker
Bruno is the chief of police in a small French tourist town. He fits the town and it fits him. He’s happy and contented and has no dreams of moving upward in police ranks or back to the cities. He’s a former soldier who survived the horrors of Bosnia, so he’s had enough of misery.
But when an Arab man is found stabbed to death in his home in Bruno's beloved St Denis with a swastika carved into his stomach, Bruno must work with the city police to find the murderer.
This is a delightful cozy, despite the sound of the murder. I found it very French in that it pays as much attention to wine, cheese and pate as it does to the solving of the murder.
But if you like pat answers and clearly evil villains, perhaps you should give this a pass.
------------------------
This is a ROOT, an AlphaCAT, and I'm putting it in Category 11, Ferdinand Magellan's Astrolabe - Mysteries
Bruno is the chief of police in a small French tourist town. He fits the town and it fits him. He’s happy and contented and has no dreams of moving upward in police ranks or back to the cities. He’s a former soldier who survived the horrors of Bosnia, so he’s had enough of misery.
But when an Arab man is found stabbed to death in his home in Bruno's beloved St Denis with a swastika carved into his stomach, Bruno must work with the city police to find the murderer.
This is a delightful cozy, despite the sound of the murder. I found it very French in that it pays as much attention to wine, cheese and pate as it does to the solving of the murder.
But if you like pat answers and clearly evil villains, perhaps you should give this a pass.
------------------------
This is a ROOT, an AlphaCAT, and I'm putting it in Category 11, Ferdinand Magellan's Astrolabe - Mysteries
12majkia
19. Relic - Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
When two children are found brutally murdered inside the Natural History Museum in New York, a rather mysterious fellow shows up who claims to have been working on similar murders in New Orleans.
More deaths, all equally grisly, bring on high-profile interest and contending interests turn the whole episode into a major disaster. Is it a maniac who is killing these people, or some sort of creature stalking the deep hidden areas of the museum?
Lots of science and tech talk throughout this which I really enjoyed. Especially that science was the true hero of the piece. Also liked the surprise ending!
I listened to the audio version and found it an exciting thriller, despite having seen the rather less fascinating movie. Definitely going to continue this series.
When two children are found brutally murdered inside the Natural History Museum in New York, a rather mysterious fellow shows up who claims to have been working on similar murders in New Orleans.
More deaths, all equally grisly, bring on high-profile interest and contending interests turn the whole episode into a major disaster. Is it a maniac who is killing these people, or some sort of creature stalking the deep hidden areas of the museum?
Lots of science and tech talk throughout this which I really enjoyed. Especially that science was the true hero of the piece. Also liked the surprise ending!
I listened to the audio version and found it an exciting thriller, despite having seen the rather less fascinating movie. Definitely going to continue this series.
13majkia
Fugitive Prince - Janny Wurts
The War of Light and Shadow Book 4.
Epic fantasy with a wide cast of characters in a sprawling landscape filled with pitfalls and betrayals and hopeless plights. Two half-brothers, both poisoned by their encounter with the Mistwraith, their gifts twisted and turned to destruction of everything they care about. Arithon, trained as a mage, at least knows what’s happening and has training enough to fight against it. Lysaer has no such protection and is totally under the Mistwraith’s spell.
By book 4, the spell has nearly consumed Lysaer. His natural sense of justice is so twisted he no longer seems himself, and is consumed with destroying Arithon.
Arithon is so harried and pursued across the world, he has no safe haven. All his allies are in deadly danger and under constant pressure from Lysaer armies of nearly fanatical believers. Only his natural bent toward brilliant tactics and subtle planning have given him any hope at all of surviving and of keeping his allies alive. He hopes to find a refuge for his people, where he can protect them from the Alliance of Light.
Intense emotions, depths of character, twisty plots and seemingly hopeless odds. All combine to make this book, as were the rest, compelling.
The War of Light and Shadow Book 4.
Epic fantasy with a wide cast of characters in a sprawling landscape filled with pitfalls and betrayals and hopeless plights. Two half-brothers, both poisoned by their encounter with the Mistwraith, their gifts twisted and turned to destruction of everything they care about. Arithon, trained as a mage, at least knows what’s happening and has training enough to fight against it. Lysaer has no such protection and is totally under the Mistwraith’s spell.
By book 4, the spell has nearly consumed Lysaer. His natural sense of justice is so twisted he no longer seems himself, and is consumed with destroying Arithon.
Arithon is so harried and pursued across the world, he has no safe haven. All his allies are in deadly danger and under constant pressure from Lysaer armies of nearly fanatical believers. Only his natural bent toward brilliant tactics and subtle planning have given him any hope at all of surviving and of keeping his allies alive. He hopes to find a refuge for his people, where he can protect them from the Alliance of Light.
Intense emotions, depths of character, twisty plots and seemingly hopeless odds. All combine to make this book, as were the rest, compelling.
14majkia
Outsider in Amsterdam - Janwillem van de Wetering
A man is found hung in his rooms. Is it murder, or is it suicide? Two Amsterdam cops investigate the possibilities and run into a lot of red herrings.
Told with utilitarian simplicity, and not a lot of psychologizing or depth of meaning, it’s strictly ‘the job.'
The style is quite different and gives the tale a totally different slant, which has pros and cons. I'm also not sure how much of what bothered me was due to translation issues (words badly selected).
But a pretty good tale over all.
------------------
I received this as part of my Santa Thing gift package :)
It's a ROOT, a 2013 Cat challenge, an AlphaCAT, Mystery March, and a TIOLI
A man is found hung in his rooms. Is it murder, or is it suicide? Two Amsterdam cops investigate the possibilities and run into a lot of red herrings.
Told with utilitarian simplicity, and not a lot of psychologizing or depth of meaning, it’s strictly ‘the job.'
The style is quite different and gives the tale a totally different slant, which has pros and cons. I'm also not sure how much of what bothered me was due to translation issues (words badly selected).
But a pretty good tale over all.
------------------
I received this as part of my Santa Thing gift package :)
It's a ROOT, a 2013 Cat challenge, an AlphaCAT, Mystery March, and a TIOLI
15majkia
33. The Poet - Michael Connolly
Jack McAvoy, a reporter with the Rocky, finds it hard to believe that his twin, Sean, committed suicide. A detective, he’d seemed happy and although he was troubled by a child’s murder case, still, suicide seemed hard to take.
Jack begins looking into things when he decides to write an article about cops who suicide. What he finds leads him to a serial killer.
Fast paced, intricate, police procedural that keeps you guessing up to the very end. Great read!
----------------
A ROOT, a 13 in 13 (category 1 - Minoan Trident - Thrillers), a TIOLI, and an AlphaCAT.
Jack McAvoy, a reporter with the Rocky, finds it hard to believe that his twin, Sean, committed suicide. A detective, he’d seemed happy and although he was troubled by a child’s murder case, still, suicide seemed hard to take.
Jack begins looking into things when he decides to write an article about cops who suicide. What he finds leads him to a serial killer.
Fast paced, intricate, police procedural that keeps you guessing up to the very end. Great read!
----------------
A ROOT, a 13 in 13 (category 1 - Minoan Trident - Thrillers), a TIOLI, and an AlphaCAT.
16majkia
Sandstorm - James Rollins
When a mysterious explosion rips apart a wing of the British Museum, a special force of scientist/soldiers is dispatched to the site. If their fears prove true, this explosion could be only a hint of what might happen if the forces that brought this about are triggered again.
Thriller that keeps you guessing from start to finish. Lots of archaeology and physics and a storm of action accompany the small group of scientists who race the clock to head off a possible disaster. Their task though, is complicated when it becomes apparent, they have not one, but two mysterious organizations also in pursuit of a scientific breakthrough of enormous potential.
And the women are just as kick-ass as the men.
Characterization, settings and plot combine to create a great read. I’ll definitely be continuing this series.
--------------------
Category Challenge (Category 1 Thrillers), a RandomCAT, a TIOLI, and a ROOT as well as part of my Alphabet Challenge.
When a mysterious explosion rips apart a wing of the British Museum, a special force of scientist/soldiers is dispatched to the site. If their fears prove true, this explosion could be only a hint of what might happen if the forces that brought this about are triggered again.
Thriller that keeps you guessing from start to finish. Lots of archaeology and physics and a storm of action accompany the small group of scientists who race the clock to head off a possible disaster. Their task though, is complicated when it becomes apparent, they have not one, but two mysterious organizations also in pursuit of a scientific breakthrough of enormous potential.
And the women are just as kick-ass as the men.
Characterization, settings and plot combine to create a great read. I’ll definitely be continuing this series.
--------------------
Category Challenge (Category 1 Thrillers), a RandomCAT, a TIOLI, and a ROOT as well as part of my Alphabet Challenge.
18sjmccreary
You're making GREAT progress!
19majkia
40. Grand Conspiracy - Janny Wurts
The fifth book in the overall arc The Wars of Light and Shadow, does not fail to deliver. Utilizing the magic of music and the music of language, the tale of how the Mistwraith twists Paravia, and its peoples continues.
Her characterization continues to delight. And layers that make up the world of Paravia continue to be revealed as plots within plots are unstrung against not only the Master of Shadow, but against the sorcerers sworn to protect Paravia and against the protective spells guarding the world itself.
Great epic fantasy, with depth and color and music.
-------------
A 13 in 13, TIOLI and Women in SFF book.
The fifth book in the overall arc The Wars of Light and Shadow, does not fail to deliver. Utilizing the magic of music and the music of language, the tale of how the Mistwraith twists Paravia, and its peoples continues.
Her characterization continues to delight. And layers that make up the world of Paravia continue to be revealed as plots within plots are unstrung against not only the Master of Shadow, but against the sorcerers sworn to protect Paravia and against the protective spells guarding the world itself.
Great epic fantasy, with depth and color and music.
-------------
A 13 in 13, TIOLI and Women in SFF book.
20majkia
#18 by @sjmccreary> Thanks to both Ameise1 and sjmccreary!
21majkia
Every Dead Thing - John Connolly
Charlie Parker is an alcoholic and a cop. But when he comes home from the bar to find his wife and child brutally murdered, everything in his life changes. He’s driven to find out who killed them and why, and along the way confront the monsters among us.
Very well written, intelligent background to the murders, complex characters. Setting and mood are very compelling and his depiction of Louisiana is terrific.
Definitely continuing on reading this author. This is the second satisfying book I’ve read of his.
----------------
A TIOLI, 2013 Category Challenge (Cat 10 - monsters), and an AlphaCAT
Charlie Parker is an alcoholic and a cop. But when he comes home from the bar to find his wife and child brutally murdered, everything in his life changes. He’s driven to find out who killed them and why, and along the way confront the monsters among us.
Very well written, intelligent background to the murders, complex characters. Setting and mood are very compelling and his depiction of Louisiana is terrific.
Definitely continuing on reading this author. This is the second satisfying book I’ve read of his.
----------------
A TIOLI, 2013 Category Challenge (Cat 10 - monsters), and an AlphaCAT
22majkia
In the Woods Tana French
How do you put your life back together again when your childhood is shattered so badly you have no memories prior to the summer of your 11th year? And what happens when you managed to have a mostly normal life, but suddenly you find yourself drawn back into the mystery and horror of those lost years?
Those questions drive and define the world of Rob Ryan as he investigates the death of a little girl in the same town where his two best friends disappeared. Surely, in such a small town, there can't be two child murderers. Even if they are 25 or so years apart?
Intricate plotting, mysteries galore, and complex and convincing characterizations. No wonder it won an award.
----------------
A ROOT, a TIOLI, 2013 Category Challenge (11- Contemporary Mysteries), an AlphaCAT and an AwardCAT
How do you put your life back together again when your childhood is shattered so badly you have no memories prior to the summer of your 11th year? And what happens when you managed to have a mostly normal life, but suddenly you find yourself drawn back into the mystery and horror of those lost years?
Those questions drive and define the world of Rob Ryan as he investigates the death of a little girl in the same town where his two best friends disappeared. Surely, in such a small town, there can't be two child murderers. Even if they are 25 or so years apart?
Intricate plotting, mysteries galore, and complex and convincing characterizations. No wonder it won an award.
----------------
A ROOT, a TIOLI, 2013 Category Challenge (11- Contemporary Mysteries), an AlphaCAT and an AwardCAT
23majkia
60. The Unexpected Mrs Pollifax - Dorothy Gilman
A fun and easy story about a New Jersey widow, bored with her life, who goes to the CIA and asks to be a spy. What happens after that is just a crazy patchwork of happenstance.
Cool characters, interesting story, and lots of fun.
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13 in 13, TIOLI, AlphaCAT
A fun and easy story about a New Jersey widow, bored with her life, who goes to the CIA and asks to be a spy. What happens after that is just a crazy patchwork of happenstance.
Cool characters, interesting story, and lots of fun.
-------------
13 in 13, TIOLI, AlphaCAT
